Pupils whose parents are feeling the credit crunch may have to forgo that extra wafer bar in their lunchbox. But look on the bright side, at least teaching may improve. Why? Because an economic recession could lead to a boom in teaching recruitment, reports The TES Magazine (May 30).

Recruitment trends seem to work in tandem with economic cycles, experts say. Professor Alan Smithers, director of the centre for education and employment research at Buckingham University, says: “As the economy picked up in the Nineties, it triggered a prolonged downturn in tea-cher recruitment, and education didn't necessarily get all the best graduates from the best universities. A recession could mean [that] we get a better share, potentially benefiting the state of teaching in schools.”

Between 1993 and 1998, as the economic boom got underway, postgraduate certificate of education (PGCE) applications in England dropped by 10 per cent, or 2,000 students. Figures were even worse in maths, where applicants dropped by more than half, possibly lured by hefty pay packets in the private sector.

Professor John Howson, a careers expert for The TES Magazine, says that shortage subjects such as maths and physics may therefore benefit from the economic downturn. “It's possible that graduates are already being shaken out of the City,” he says, noting that the fall in applicants for subjects such as ICT and physics seems to be slowing.

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Teachers' wages are also relatively secure as a result of three-year deals.

But recent difficulties recruiting head teachers may persist. Moving into a leadership role often involves moving house, Professor Howson says, which may be difficult as the housing market cools. “As a deputy you might think, ‘do I really want the hassle?'”

Lecturers get a makeover

Knock knock. Who's there? An incredibly boring lecturer. But not for much longer, reports Times Higher Education (May 29). Lecturers are learning to be more like stand-up comedians in a series of seminars. Tips include being visible, voicing your students' thoughts (“I know you'd rather be watching daytime TV”) and doing less preparation.

Relying on humour isn't recommended. “The older you get, the more detached you get from younger people's humour. It's pitiful watching an older person trying to be funny with younger people,” says Kevin McCarron, the course leader.

THE cites comedians such as Dave Gorman as good role models for academics. Russell Brand less so, unless you want to put the lech into lecturing.

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